Cold weather care for your pets

The temperatures are finally dropping in Sisters Country, and with winter on the way it's important to prepare your furry friends for the cold months ahead.

It is a fallacy to believe that cats and dogs can withstand cold temperatures just because they have fur. Cold weather can be hard on pets, just like it is on people.

Dogs, like people, need to come inside more quickly after walking or playing during frigid weather. After walking or playing with Rover outdoors, towel-dry him as soon as you get back indoors. Even if his coat isn't wet, brisk rubbing with the towel increases his circulation and warms him up more quickly. Don't forget to wipe his legs, paws and stomach.

If it's too cold for you, it's probably too cold for Rover and Kitty, so keep your furry friends inside. If left outdoors in frigid temperatures, pets can freeze, become disoriented and lost.

If your pooch is whining, shivering, seems anxious, slows down or stops moving, get him inside very quickly because he is showing signs of hypothermia. Frostbite is harder to detect, but it happens when an animal's body gets cold and pulls all the blood from the extremities to the center of the body to stay warm.

If you suspect your furry friend has hypothermia or frostbite, consult your veterinarian immediately.

Even outdoor pets should spend the night indoors when it's dangerously cold. There is no set "dangerously cold" temperature for pets, so be aware of your pet's tolerance for cold weather, and adjust accordingly. Some dog breeds, like huskies and malamutes, do well in wintry weather, but when the mercury drops below freezing, just bring your pets in. If you are unable to keep your pet inside during cold weather, provide him with a warm, dry, solid shelter against wind. Make sure that your furry friend has unlimited access to fresh, unfrozen water (use a pet-safe, heated water bowl).

Winter walks can become downright dangerous if chemicals from ice-melting agents are licked off bare paws. When outdoors in the snow and ice, your furry friend can pick up salt, antifreeze or other dangerous chemicals on their pads. Make sure you wipe his paws down with a towel every time he comes inside.

Also, check his pads regularly for injuries. Ice and snow can cause painful cracks and bleeding. Trim the hair between his toes to prevent ice buildup. Although not all dogs tolerate them, booties provide even more coverage and can also prevent sand and salt from getting lodged between bare toes causing irritation.

Please use pet-friendly ice-melts whenever possible.

Warm engines in parked cars attract cats and small wildlife, who may crawl up under the hood. So, before you go to work in the morning, get into the habit of banging on the hood or honking your horn to scare them off.

Just like hot cars are a threat to your pet during the warm months, cold cars pose just as much of a risk to your furry friend's health during the cold months. A car can act as a refrigerator in winter, holding in the cold, which can lead to frostbite, hypothermia, and death.

Right now it's a good time of year to do your twice-yearly health check-up for Rover to make sure he doesn't have any underlying medical problems that would make him more vulnerable to winter weather. For example, arthritic dogs suffer more in cold weather and can benefit from any anti-inflammatory medications. Your veterinarian can detect problems like this early on, or prevent them altogether, with an exam and lab-work.

Please pay special attention to older pets and those with medical issues. It makes sense that a pet with less body fat cannot endure low temperatures as well as one with good body condition. And since older pets lose muscle mass and body fat (like we do as we age), they cannot tolerate the cold as well as younger dogs.

Protect your pet from the elements by dressing him for the weather. Coats and sweaters are a particularly good idea for smaller breeds, short-haired breeds, and senior dogs.

Finally, be sure to check your dog's water source often to make sure it's not frozen, so your furry friend always has fresh water to drink.

Winter can be a beautiful time of year. It can be dangerous as well, but doesn't have to be. If you take some precautions, you and your furry friend can have a fabulous time dashing through the snow together.